Wicklow County Council has been allocated grants of €281,700 for 10 outdoor adventure projects under this year’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The projects to benefit will include the upgrading of walking trails in Aughrim, Clara Vale, Devil’s Glen, Ballinagee and Ballinafunshogue. A new equestrian trail at Ballyboy Forest and a new linear wild play area on the red kite loop in Avoca will also benefit.
The Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Tommy Annesley, welcomed this further investment in the Wicklow outdoors which will enhance the County’s walkways, rivers, lakes and beaches as well as boosting local economies by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation as a destination for adventure tourism.
Michael Nicholson, Deputy Chief Executive, paid tribute to all the Council staff involved in the preparation of the 10 applications and also acknowledged the ongoing commitment to the County from the Minister for Rural and Community , Heather Humphreys TD. He added that outdoor recreation tourism is a growing sector and has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for all our rural towns and villages.
Mr Nicholson also stated that some of the approved projects are often hidden gems on our doorsteps and he encouraged everyone to get out and discover them over the rest of the summer.
